Empire of Sins Book 2: Deviant Need by L. Norell

 

Empire of Sins Book 2

Taken in by the Avrorin family as a child, Daniil has only ever had one safe place: Mikhail Avrorin.

For eight years, he’s wanted more, consumed by a one-sided crush triggered by a forbidden encounter in their teens. A crush so devastating, and buried so deep, he’s almost at a breaking point. When he tries to pull away, Mikhail pulls him in tighter, unwilling to let him go despite both wanting the impossible.

Over the years, they’ve become inseparable, codependent in ways that cross every line of what’s healthy. And they shouldn’t want each other the way they do. It’s forbidden. Wrong. But one kiss has the power to destroy every wall they’ve built.

When Daniil decides to search for his biological family, against the Avrorins’ wishes, Mikhail is the only one he trusts to help. But the truth runs deeper and darker than either of them expected, and some of it was never meant to be found.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/254107114-deviant-need

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Daniil and Mikhail have been inseparable since they were children. Daniil was brought to Mikhail’s family under pretty mysterious circumstances when he was two. Injured badly and unable to speak. It wasn’t until much later thanks to Mikhail that Daniil was able to speak words. And to this day, he can only do it for Mikhail. It was also as a teenager that Daniil realized that he was in love with Mikhail. Something he knew he would have to keep to himself forever for many reasons. Daniil is Mikhail’s person. They are super codependent and Mikhail just knows he can’t ever lose Daniil. But then Daniil has been acting strange lately. Trying to keep his distance, and Mikhail isn’t having it. Until it finally just clicks. What these feelings for Daniil are. And when they finally cross that line, there is no going back. Add into the fact that their family are mafia and their father is insane. And when Daniil decides it’s time to search for answers on where he came from, neither realize just how much trouble they are about to get in. Oh man, these two. They break your heart over and over, with what they have been through and continue to go through in this book. But they have each other. They truly are one another’s person. They’ve always been. So much goes down in this book and I definitely can’t wait for book 3 where we get some final answers to questions we’ve been asking since book 1. Really enjoying this series overall! And I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Van Doren Book 10: Jalon by Crea Reitan

 

Van Doren Book 10

I want him for selfish reasons.

I’ve spent the last thirty years building an empire for my family. I never want anyone I love to find themselves in the same position I was when my parents left: a failing company, an Estate in ruins, and my four brothers under seven for me to raise. 

The world sees a king - infallible, untouchable, and unshakable. Knowing how to control my features and wearing a suit like armor, no one can see the scars of the mistakes I’ve made nor do they know I’ve conducted all my relationships like business transactions. 

Right up until Levis Li turned my life inside out in the best possible way. Then the fool decides to use himself as live bait for a doctor killing his patients. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255745074-jalon

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s finally Jalon’s turn! This has been a long awaited story for the Van Dorens. We’ve known for a while who Jalon ends up with based on a few outside stories of the Van Doren series thanks to when those take place. But now we actually get to see how Jalon and Levis got together. Their story was happening for quite a bit, quietly, like those two tend to be. To everyone, Jalon is this untouchable king. Always there for his family, protective, and successful. And just so many other things. But when it comes to love and relationships, he’s never truly sought them out. Especially when his ex harmed his children. Something he still feels guilt for in not seeing it sooner. His children love him and have never truly blamed him. So then there is just this moment between Levis and Jalon and it is like something clicks. For both of them. What starts out as really these secret hook ups turns into so much more as time goes by. Levis had a plan for his life, but things change as you grow. Life changes. Levis never expected to fall for Jalon. That there could be a future together. And it’s a future they both more than deserve. I really loved these two. I was so excited to see just how they got together and how they fit. And after their story, it’s more than clear that these two could not be more perfect for one another. And with all Van Doren stories, on top of a romance, we get a pretty crazy side plot where the Van Dorens get to stop some pretty bad people. This time involving a hospital and one bad doctor. For those who love King Jalon, you will not be disappointed in his story! It’s well worth the long wait to get us here!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once Upon a Broken Heart Book 3.5: The Mirror of Infinite Endings by Stephanie Garber

 

Once Upon a Broken Heart Book 3.5

The #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING Once Upon a Broken Heart series continues… Return to the Magnificent North and the BREATHTAKING LOVE STORY that has captivated readers all over the world!

Jacks and Evangeline Fox have finally found their happily ever after.

Everything here in the Hollow is wonderful and perfect.

Nothing is going to go wrong.

No one is keeping a secret . . . except for maybe one.

But don’t worry, it’s not going to rewrite reality or alter history or change the ending of Jacks and Evangeline’s story.

Definitely not.

Featuring cameos from fan-favorite characters and twenty full-page illustrations by Lotusbubble, the newest installment in the Once Upon a Broken Heart universe will immerse readers once again in this beloved, #1 New York Times bestselling series. Because every story has the potential for infinite endings.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246483669-the-mirror-of-infinite-endings

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We are back with a novella for Evangeline and Jacks! And it is exactly what you would expect from these two. Finding trouble wherever they go. Evangeline and Jacks have found their happy ending. As Evangeline sets out to reopen the Hollow, she is scrambling to finish everything before the big day. So of course that is the perfect time for LaLa to drag her away for a little bit. And what does Evangeline do? Finds a magic mirror to walk through. Little does she know, that she has begun a test that will determine her and Jacks future. This was a great novella for these two. I loved being back in this world and seeing what they have been up to. We’ve waited so long for their happy ending and it was super sweet to see they found it. And that they’ll keep it and always find their way back to one another. If you enjoyed the series so far, you definitely won’t want to miss this!

The Cruise Back to You by Ana Ashley

 

I didn't ask for a vacation. I definitely didn't ask to be trapped on a cruise ship with my ex.

Colter and I were together for five years before I walked away. He never wanted the future I was dreaming of. At least, that's what I thought.

Our best friends promised relaxation and umbrella drinks. Their grand scheme? Lock us on a boat and let the ocean work its magic.

I should be furious. I should avoid Colter for seven days straight.

There's just one problem. Being around him reminds me of everything I've been trying to forget. The way he looks at me. The way my heart still races when he's near.

I wanted to get over him. Instead, I'm falling all over again.

One cruise. One ex. A second chance neither of us saw coming.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/259113695-the-cruise-back-to-you

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Robin didn’t want to go on vacation, but after his best friend insisted they go, he gives in. A week to relax on a cruise? Sure, he can do that. Until he sees his ex on board. Robin and Colter were together for five years, but months ago Robin walked away. Feeling like their relationship suddenly had no future and Colter was pulling away from him. Now, thanks to both of their meddling best friends, they are on the same boat together. Colter wants to be mad at his best friend, but he also has missed Robin all these months. He doesn’t know what exactly what wrong. He was saving up to build them the future they wanted. He thought Robin knew that. Right? The time for miscommunication is over for these two! Can there be a second chance for them? Super cute short story. Being stuck on a cruise by their best friends was exactly what Robin and Colter needed. The love between them was definitely there they just had to finally speak up about it! Definitely check out this story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On Thin Ice Book 3: Goalie Interference by KC Carmichael

 

On Thin Ice Book 3

I am certifiably the best goalie in the league, the Stanley Cup with my name on it proves it. So why am I suddenly completely off my game? And why the hell is a rival goalie the only person who can help?

Nikolai Ivanov lost that Cup to me. He has every reason to enjoy my downward spiral, and no reason at all to talk me through a panic attack at midnight, or pull me out of my own head with his dry Russian humor right before a game. By the time I stop to wonder what’s in it for him, Nikolai has become the most important part of my pregame routine. And I’m craving even more.

But there’s only one Stanley Cup, and we both want it. Getting involved with the goalie on the other side of the rink as we skate towards playoffs could cost us everything.

Staying away from him should be easy.

It's certifiably not.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253756227-goalie-interference

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Ander should be riding the high that is winning the Stanley Cup and having his turn to show it off, and he is, but he also is realizing just how different this summer has been. Things have changed and Ander is realizing just how lonely he is. Especially when his brother and best friend are in a relationship now. Then later, he can feel something off in his game when the season starts back up again. And a goalie who lets in goals is not a goalie someone wants on their team. But someone ends up being really good for helping Ander get out of his head. Nikolai. Rival goalie and someone Ander finds himself drifting to and befriending. And he can’t help but wonder, what is about Nikolai that just makes Ander feel safe and seen and heard? Nikolai shouldn’t be friends with a rival goalie, but Ander makes it impossible to remember why. And when Nikolai starts developing feelings? He knows he is in trouble. But does Ander feel the same? And even if he did, can they actually have a relationship when they can never be on the same NHL? But all Nikolai knows is that this connection between them is something he has never felt before. And when he learns Ander feels the same? They’ll have to figure out just exactly what kind of future is out there for them. I loved these two! Ander and Nikolai were so sweet together. They just got one another and were one another’s safe space. I loved watching them develop a friendship that turned into so much more the more they spent time with one another. They both deserve the love they had for one another. Just an overall great story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Duke Brothers Book 7: The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away by Lani Blake

 

The Duke Brothers Book 7

She thought she knew her story. He thought he was done being a hero. They were both wrong.

Finch McAllister entered the military at eighteen. It wasn’t just a career—it was his life. Now he was home, injured and grounded, facing a future he hadn’t chosen and wanting solitude to heal.

Lyntacky had other ideas. So did Nina Winters.

Nina built her life exactly the way she wanted it. A job she loved, friends she trusted, and zero complications. Then her mother’s memory faded, and the contents of a box changed everything she’d always believed. She wasn’t who she thought she was. And someone dangerous was hunting her.

Finch McAllister didn’t come home to be anyone’s hero. But when Nina Winters lands in danger, walking away isn’t an option.

Tropes: Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Small Town, Wounded Military MMC, Hidden Identity

Meet The McAllisters. Growing up as Lyntacky’s unofficial hippies, the McAllister kids mastered two things fast: loyalty and survival. They band together like pros, recycle like champions, and can whip up an herbal remedy for whatever mysterious rash you’ve picked up.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252112651-the-moment-he-couldn-t-walk-away-a-small-town-romantic-suspense

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finch had his life planned out. He always wanted to be in the military and planned to be there for a long time. But an accident changes everything. A year later, he is discharged and continuing to struggle with his continued concussion diagnosis. And now he has no idea what to do next. He’s back home in Lyntacky and while he wants to just wallow for a bit longer, his family and friends won’t let him get away with that. He’s a different man than he once was but not so different that the feelings he had for Nina went away. But can he actually have the future he once wanted when he doesn’t know what his future looks like anymore? Meanwhile, Nina is dealing with a lot. When she loses her mother, she is thrown for even more of a loop when a letter from her mother reveals the truth about her father. Turns out he wasn’t exactly a good guy and her mother has done everything in her power to protect Nina from him. And when there have been a few incidents lately, she can’t help but wonder if he is connected to it after all. But she’s not alone. Not with Finch who she’s had feelings for for a while or the rest of town where the locals are protective of one another. As always, I love coming back into this world! I’m reminded constantly that I wish I could live in this town! I loved getting to know Finch and Nina more in this story. These two were great for one another and they truly came together when they both needed one another most. As always with these stories, on top of a romance, we get a bit of a suspense. Great story all around! And I’m looking forward to the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cranham Kings Book 2: Callous Shot by Becca Steele

 

Cranham Kings Book 2

Daniel Hoyton has been a thorn in my side for as long as I can remember. We play for rival hockey teams. We attend rival universities. Our families are on opposite sides of the law. 

I hate him, with his irritatingly smug smile, his arrogance, and his inability to take anything seriously.

I want to wipe that smile from his face with my fist.

…Or my mouth.

I can’t decide if I want to punch him or kiss him, and it’s beginning to be a problem. A problem with big consequences. Not only is he completely wrong for me, but his family and friends are under investigation…and my uncle is in charge of the operation. 

I know we’re going to crash and burn.

But I can’t seem to stay away from the flames.

Callous Shot is part of Cranham Kings, a college hockey romance series with darker themes. Each book can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244393276-callous-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Dan and Link have been at one another’s throats for a long time. Rivals on and off the ice, these two just can’t help but rile the other one up every chance they get. Add in the fact that their families are on opposite sides of the law, and it’s just a messy affair. But what happens when they find a new way to work out that tension? These two can tell one another they hate each other all they want, but deep down their feelings are anything but hate. But while those two are working out what exactly is going on between them, there are other things they have to worry about. Link’s father is threatening Link to find dirt on Dan’s criminal family or else face the consequences. Link hates his parents, but he would never jeopardize his uncle and young cousin. But what he is feeling for Dan? How can he find a way out of what feels like an impossible situation? Meanwhile, Dan is trying to figure out this latest issue his family and friends are facing, but something isn’t adding up quite right. Can they figure it out? Another great story in this series! I love a good enemies to lovers stories and Dan and Link were definitely a favorite of mine. Their banter and chemistry are so good. And they both are so deeply loyal and caring, especially to each other. The fight they have ahead of them is hard but one they can get through if they can do it together. Great story all around and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.